Cross-Disciplinary Paradigm: Christopher Yoo

November 21, 2013

BOLD AMBITIONS recognized the need for even greater cross-disciplinary excellence. Today’s problems can only be analyzed and solved by thinking broadly. To meet this challenge, we have dramatically expanded the opportunities to graduate with a joint degree and inspired more students to study and think across disciplines.

Transcript

One of the hallmarks of Penn Law is the strength of its interdisciplinary programs. Half of the law faculty hold advanced degrees in disciplines other than law, including economics, philosophy, psychology, history, political science, medicine and mathematics, just to name a few. This allows them to combine legal analysis with the insights of a wide range of disciplines.

My own work is typical in this regard. In addition to serving as a member of the Law faculty, I also serve on the faculty of both the Engineering school and the Annenberg School for Communication. My initial research focused on the economics of regulating the internet. Over time, I became increasingly aware that most policy makers and academics have no idea how the internet actually works. As a result, I’ve increasingly integrated the principals of computer science into my teaching and research. I also lead the Center for Technology, Innovation, and Competition which brings together scholars from a wide range of disciplines. As a result, Penn Law is on the verge of becoming the premier law and technology program on the east coast. That would not have happened without the generosity of people like you.